Lifestyle newborn sessions are done in your home, typically within the first two weeks, but I have also done newborn sessions when the baby is up to one month old. It really depends on what works best for your family and your birth story. During your newborn session, I love to capture moments with the parents, details of the nursery, and all of those delicate newborn features. Please keep reading for more Tips for a Successful Newborn Session:
Your Home: Life with a newborn baby at home usually means some piles of laundry and dirty dishes. You do not need to power clean your house before our session. However, do plan to take pictures in the rooms of your house that have the most natural light (ie, family room, bedroom, nursery). I will ask you about the lighting in your house when we schedule your session. If anything in the room is too distracting, I will simply move it, or move myself to use a different angle. When it is warm enough, we can also get some fresh air and find an open shaded area outside.
Your Baby: Newborn sessions typically last 1-2 hours. Sometimes baby sleeps the entire session, sometimes baby is awake for the entire session. But most importantly, I want you to feel relaxed. This session about the connection between you, your baby and your family. If baby needs to eat, be changed, rocked, etc., we have time for that. I do suggest making sure your house is warm enough that baby would be comfortable naked or swaddled.
Props: I will bring some simple baskets and swaddles for the baby. If you have any special family heirlooms or gifts that you also want to include in your session, just let me know when I arrive. I want your session to feel very relaxed, natural and unposed.
What to Wear: You can lay out two or three outfits for the baby, and that can mean anything from a onesie to a favorite swaddle. I am also happy to help you decide when I arrive. I love looking through all of the tiny newborn outfits! You and your partner should be comfortable in your clothes, too, so pick out outfits that are light, comfortable and casual. For your newborn session, neutral colors (grey, blue, beige) photograph well, vs. bright vibrant colors (red, orange, yellow) which can leave a color cast on the baby’s skin when you are snuggling. That doesn’t mean you and your partner both need to be in plain white t’s or dress matchy. Don’t be afraid to mix in some floral or plaid patterns, but try to avoid any lettering on shirts.
Tips for a Successful Newborn Session
Are you searching for a maternity & newborn photographer in the Boulder/Denver area? Colorado Lifestyle Photography offers a special Maternity & Newborn Package for new parents and families. Please click HERE for more session information and details, or send me a message below:
